Wilfrido Vargas

Wilfrido Vargas
Wilfrido Vargas in 2008
Wilfrido Vargas in 2008
Background information
Birth nameWilfrido Radamés Vargas Martínez
Born (1949-04-24) April 24, 1949 (age 75)
Altamira, Dominican
GenresMerengue
Occupation(s)Singer, musician, songwriter, composer, arranger, trumpeter, actor
Instrument(s)Vocals, Trumpet
Years active1972–present
LabelsKaren, Sonotone, Rodven, RCA Intl, Sony BMG

Wilfrido Radamés Vargas Martínez[1] (Spanish pronunciation: [wilˈfɾiðo ˈβaɾɣas]; born April 24, 1949, in Altamira, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic) is a band leader, trumpeter, vocalist, arranger, composer and producer who was instrumental in making the merengue style a worldwide phenomenon.[2]

He was surrounded by musical influences; namely, his father Ramón, an accordionist and guitarist, and his mother Bienvenida, a flute player and guitarist.[3] Vargas began his musical studies early, attending the Municipal Academy of Music beginning at age 10.[4]

He has been a trumpeter and a vocalist,[5] but has also arranged, composed, and led his band, and is also a producer.[4]

  1. ^ Billboard. "Wilfrido Vargas". Retrieved September 11, 2010.
  2. ^ eldiario.ec. "Wilfrido Vargas llega a la fiesta del merengue" (in Spanish). Retrieved September 11, 2010.
  3. ^ Batanga Media Networks. "Wilfrido Vargas Biografía" (in Spanish). Retrieved September 13, 2010.
  4. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference billboard was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Aol Music. "Wilfrido Vargas Biography". Retrieved September 11, 2010.